The Best Daycare Centers in Hazlehurst, MS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hazlehurst. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hazlehurst
Kiddie Academy of Brookhaven
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Brookhaven is a highly-regarded educational childcare center serving the Hazlehurst area with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum. The center focuses on whole-child development through structured learning activities, character development programs, and age-appropriate academic preparation. Features include secure entry systems, certified early childhood educators, nutritious meal programs, and modern learning environments with both indoor and outdoor play spaces. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM concepts, and social-emotional learning with regular progress reports for parents.
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First Baptist Church Child Development Center
First Baptist Church of Brookhaven
This faith-based childcare center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a Christian foundation. The center offers developmentally appropriate curriculum that balances academic readiness with spiritual growth. Features include low student-teacher ratios, experienced certified staff, secure facilities with controlled access, and age-specific learning centers. The program emphasizes kindergarten readiness through structured learning activities, social development, and character education. Parents appreciate the nurturing environment and strong communication from qualified early childhood professionals.
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Creative Learning Center of Crystal Springs
Independent
Creative Learning Center provides quality early childhood education with a focus on individualized learning and developmental milestones. The center uses a play-based curriculum that incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. Features include secure facilities with surveillance systems, qualified early childhood educators, structured daily schedules, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. The program emphasizes social skills development, cognitive growth, and physical coordination through both structured activities and free play. Parents value the center's commitment to safety, clean facilities, and experienced teaching staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hazlehurst, MS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hazlehurst, MS, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Hazlehurst, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) unless they are legally exempt (like certain church-affiliated programs). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety training, facility safety, and nutrition. To verify a facility's license and view any past inspection reports, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the MSDH website or contact the Southwest Public Health District office, which serves Copiah County. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers to ensure a baseline of safety and quality for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hazlehurst, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Hazlehurst and the surrounding Copiah County area, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $100 to $150 per week. For toddlers, it may be slightly lower, around $90 to $130 per week. Home-based daycare is often more affordable. Financial assistance is primarily available through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Child Care Payment Program (CCPP), which provides subsidies to eligible low-income working families or those in education/training programs. You can apply through the local Copiah County MDHS office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Hazlehurst for parents working non-traditional shifts?
Finding daycare with extended evening or weekend hours in Hazlehurst can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best bet for non-traditional hours is to inquire with licensed family childcare homes, as some providers may offer more flexible schedules to accommodate shift workers at local plants, healthcare facilities, or retail. It's crucial to start your search early, be clear about your needed hours, and potentially consider forming a small, shared nanny arrangement with another family in a similar situation. Networking through local Facebook community groups for Hazlehurst can also help identify flexible providers.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare center or home in Hazlehurst?
When touring a facility in Hazlehurst, go beyond the basics. First, confirm their MSDH license is current and posted. Observe the cleanliness and safety: Are outlets covered? Is the playground equipment secure? Watch how staff interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about staff turnover and their training in CPR/First Aid. Inquire about their daily schedule, educational philosophy (even for young children), and policy on sick children. Given Mississippi's climate, check that they have safe outdoor play areas with shade and a plan for extreme heat. Finally, trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere—is it a warm, welcoming, and organized environment?
How long are waitlists typically for daycare centers in Hazlehurst, and when should I start looking for care?
For the most popular and well-regarded licensed centers in Hazlehurst, waitlists, especially for infant rooms, can be several months long. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally 6-9 months before your desired start date, if possible. Availability can be more limited than in larger cities, so procrastination may severely limit your options. When contacting a center, ask specifically about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? Also, explore licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times and can provide excellent, personalized care in a home setting.